Data recorder

ABSTRACT

A data recorder constructed in the form of a hand set (10) with an actuating mechanism function switch (14) and a time switch clock coupled to an audible signal transmitter with a time setting means, the reset key or the reset function is inhibited until after the data recall, in which each data recording is storable with a presettable time at which the audible signal transmitter is activated by means of a timing circuit, and/or wherein the data recording is individually inhibited until its recall againt an inadvertent reset so that the recorder can be employed as an appointment scheduler.

The invention relates to a data recorder with an actuating mechanismfunction switch and a time switch clock coupled to an audible signaltransmitter with a timing adjustment means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

According to the DE-A-24 10 445, an alarm clock, more particularly inthe form of an alarm wrist watch, is already known which, apart from thewatch drive in the watch case, additionally possesses a loudspeakerwhich is connected to a sound generating means as well as with pertinentswitching means. A diaphragm supported on the watch case serves forthis, on which a coil in the form of a cylindrical ring is attached,which is surrounded by a cylindrical permamanent magnet rigidly mountedon the case. A miniaturized tape recorder with an endless tape spool ora radio receiver is provided as sound generating means.

Also known are dictating machines for magnetic tape casettes, which aredesigned as hand sets and which are adjustable with the aid of a slidingswitch for different function sequences. According to the DE-U1-80 32508.2, it has already been proposed to minimize this device stillfurther so that it corresponds substantially to the magnetic taperecorder casette and the sliding switch is disposed on the narrowlongitudinal side. Moreover, this device possesses a digital clock, intowhich a time of the day can be inputted at which a wake-up signal istriggered in the sound amplifier of the device. This wake-up signaltriggers, at the same time or with a pre-set brief delay, via a furthersign output of the digital clock the drive of the device for a slowforward run for the reproduction of a text recorded on the magnetic tapevia the loudspeaker. In this way the dictating machine is intended toalso serve as an audible notebook.

The DE-A-32 43 438 A1, too, deals with an electronic clock or watchwhich solves the technical problem that the emitted alarm or wake-uptones are intended to enable the user to remember a specific event. Themessage or note is reproduced in the form of a speech signal, which ispossible by the use of digital-analog converters in conjunction withappropriate filtering circuits.

The DE-A-38 829 A1 proposes a miniaturized dictating machine combinedwith or integrated into the same, whose keyboard may be additionallyconstructed as a cordless telephone and/or computer.

The devices proposed up to now can generally be divided into two groups,the one of dictating machines and the one of clock wakeing up functions.A clock or watch emitting an alarm signal at a preset time does,however, not reveal what the wake-up signal is meant to remind of. Theclock or watch according to the DE-A-32 43 438 A1 does take remedialaction here, it is true, in that the alarm signal is the reproduction ofa speech recording, however, this reproduction is always unsatisfactorywhen it takes place on an unwanted occasion, such as e.g. duringlectures or conferences.

That is why it is the technical problem of the present invention todevelop further or to provide a data recorder of the known type to theeffect that it can be employed as an appointment scheduler.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This technical problem is resolved by means of the data recorder statedin the beginning, whose invention consists in that the reset key or theresetting fuction is inhibited until after the data recall. Only whenthe user of the device has actually recalled the recorded data at thepreset time, is it possible to overwrite the memory afresh. This doesnot rule out that, particularly in the event of a misinput, the devicepossessesa reset key which, however, should be especially securedagainst an inadvertent release, irrespective of whether it is located ata secure point which is not readily accessible from outside or whetherit is necessary for special key combinations having to be selected inorder to trigger the reset function.

According to a further development of the invention, each data recordingcan be stored with a presettable time, at which the audible signaltransmitter is activated by a timing circuit and/or where the datarecording is individually inhibited against an inadvertent cancellationor resetting until the recall of the same. This step perfects theappointment scheduler still further to the effect that individual datarecordings ca be coupled to time inputs and be recalled as suchseparately in a storable and recallable fashion. In this way apossibility is provided for also being able to separately cancel orchange over entries in the "vocal appointment scheduler", for instance,to another time.

Audible signal transmitters are frequently subject to the shortcomingthat they are annoying for persons who are present. It is true that areduction of the volume of the audio signal minimizes the vexation, butdoes not solve the problem. However, an optical signal delivery at aspecific time is unable to meet the object of the wake-up or alarmfunction since, in such a case, it would have to be presupposed that theuser is looking at the data recorder at the instant when the alarm isindicated.

In order to nevertheless, in necessary additionally, provide anappointment or engagement indication to the user, it is providedaccording to a further construction of the invention that a display orindication means for the data which has not been recalled yet isprovided. In this way the appointment message is still preserved whenthe advance warning time has elapsed.

In principle it is possible to fall back on all types of recording,however, with a view to a miniaturization of the device, ananalog-digital converter (A/D converter) and a memory for digitalsignals coupled hereto is given preference. Furthermore, the device willpreferably be constructed as a hand set, more particularly also operablein a mains-independent manner by means of a battery or accumulator. Inorder not to have to accept any losses in the operating comfort in theminiatutization of the device, provision is made for broad actuatingmechanism function switch keys or slides, which substantially correspondto the thickness or the top view width of the device. If, according to afurther construction of the invention, the data recording device isprovided with a wrist strap and constructed in the form of an embodimentthat can be carried on the wrist, it can be made possible hereby that,e.g. while driving a car, the function key or switch is actuated withthe chin in order to make a data recording.

Further constructions of the invention are the subject matter of thesubclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiment examples of the invention are illustrated in the drawings.Thus

FIGS. 1 and 2 each show a top and a side view, respectively, of a handset data recorder, and

FIG. 3 shows a data recorder in the form of a wrist watch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The data recorder according to the FIGS. 1 and 2 possesses a housing 10for accommodating the voltage supply, the analog-digital converter aswell as the memory and other circuits which, in principle, are knownfrom the state of the art. By way of example, reference is made to thepublications quoeted in the introductory part of the specification. Inaddition, the housing is provided with a digital time display in theform of a liquid crystal display. A microphone-loudspeaker combination12 serves for the recording and reproduction. By means of a keyboard 13,discrete digits can be inputted, be it for the time preselection or--ifthe dictating machine is provided with a miniature computer--or for theoperator input. Furthermore, keys 14 are provided, by means of which therecording, reproduction and reset functions can be set. The hand set mayadditionally be provided with an eyelet 15, on which e.g. a carryingstrap, a chain or suchlike can be attached.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the data recorder is depicted inthe form of a wristwatch 16, which is fitted with a watch strap 17. Thewristwatch 16 possesses a digital display 18, a loudspeaker-microphoneunit as well as one or several function keys 20 which, by way ofexample, may also be constructed in the form of toggle switches in orderto be able to effect repeated adjustments.

All devices function as detailed in the following:

When the recording key is depressed, the message can be vocally recordedon the memory. This message can be encoded, for instance, by means ofkeyboard 13 or 21, i.e. each data recording can be combined with thetime of the day. The date recorder is not merely going to emit an alarmsignal at a preset time in the manner described in the DE 32 43 438 A1,but, for example, indicate in the display that a message has to berecalled. Until this message is activated and listened to by thedepression of a reproduction key, the reset function remains inhibited.The recall of the recording at the specific time reactivates the messagein question about this message being due, furthermore, the inhibitfunction of this message is cancelled so that room is made for a newappointment. The capacity of the memory is optimally utilized hereby.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data recorder comprising first means forcarrying out a recording operation of data and for carrying out arecalling operation of data, second means for carrying out a deletionoperation of recorded data, and operating elements for controlling therecording operation, the recalling operation and the deletion operation,a time switch clock coupled to an audible signal transmitter with atiming adjusting means, and third means for rendering an activation ofthe deletion operation of recorded data dependent upon an additionalcondition, wherein the additional condition is a previously carried outrecalling operation of the data, wherein the first means is configuredto be capable of carrying out a plurality of data recordings, whereinthe first means comprises means for storing each data recording with apresettable time at which the audible signal transmitter is activated bya timing circuit, and wherein the second means comprises means forinhibiting inadvertent deletion of each individual data recording untilafter the recall operation for the individual data recording has beencarried out, further comprising a digital display for non-recalled data,wherein the first means comprises an analog-digital converter connectedto a microphone-loudspeaker unit and a memory for digital signalscoupled to the analog-digital converter, further comprising one of abattery and an accumulator for operating the data recorder, wherein theoperation elements are wide actuating mechanism function keys or slidershaving a width corresponding essentially to a thickness or top viewwidth of the data recorder, and wherein the data recorder comprises awrist strap and is constructed so as to be adapted to be portable on aperson's wrist, wherein, when a recording key is depressed, a messagecan be recorded on the memory, wherein the message can be encoded by akeyboard and combined with a time indication, wherein the display isconfigured to indicate that the message has to be recalled, wherein,until the message is activated and listened to by depressing areproduction key, a reset function remains inhibited, and wherein therecall of the recording at a specific time reactivates the message andindicates that the message is to be recalled, and wherein the inhibitingmeans is configured to cancel the message for making room for a newmessage, so that a capacity of the memory is optimized.